Antarctica drama series in development

Could Antarctica form the backdrop of a new TV drama on the daily life of expeditioners at a research station?

That’s just what the Australian Antarctic Division is hoping for through screenwriter Jane Allen thanks to an Australian Antarctic Arts Fellowship.

Allen, whose credits include Cleverman, Janet King, Wentworth & Love Child will spend 3 months over summer with novelist Dr Jesse Blackadder (Sixty Seconds, Chasing the Light) to research, devise and write The A-Factor.

The duo will sail south from Hobart on Australia’s icebreaker Aurora Australis at the end of October to visit Mawson research station.

“This is a rare opportunity to be immersed in an Antarctic community, working alongside other expeditioners and hearing stories first-hand, which will bring an intimate authenticity to the project,” said Allen (pictured).

“The A-Factor will explore the challenge, thrill, beauty and character of the icy continent and those that live and work there.”

A production company is yet to be attached.

Those with long memories may remember the Seven’s 1984 sitcom Brass Monkeys by produced by Gary Reilly and Tony Sattler,

Arts Fellows receive financial support through a partnership with the Australian Network for Art and Technology (ANAT), Create NSW will also provide development funding.